Professional Development Opportunities
Cataloging/Metadata
Cataloging Related Works and Expressions (MCLS)
Including related and associated works and expressions in a catalog record can be challenging! According to RDA, in addition to fully describing and adding access points for the primary work and expression, catalogers need to be skilled at adding access points for related works and expressions. This session will cover the approved ways catalogers can record these titles in monograph cataloging records and examples of different types of relationships. It will cover recording titles for related, derivative, accompanying, and sequential resources, as well as whole-part resources for works contained within a compilation or aggregated work. Tips will be shared for practical cataloging of related works and expressions! The sessions will also cover how to use relationship designators for works and expressions from the RDA Appendix J. Examples and exercises will be included for a range of cataloging formats, especially books, sound recordings, and visual materials.
November 2, 10a-12p EST
$120 (Non-member) / $60 (MCLS member)
Beyond the Basics: Cataloging DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and Streaming Videos (Library Juice Academy)
This course is designed to help those with basic cataloging experience become comfortable cataloging more challenging formats. Participants will learn how to catalog motion pictures on DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and streaming formats in RDA and MARC through lots of hands-on practice including learning to identify the preferred sources of information to use when determining titles and statements of responsibility, how to handle multiple production companies, distributors, and dates frequently found on these resources, how to determine authorized and variant access points, and how to create accurate physical descriptions that reflect new fields added under RDA.
November 6 – December 3
$200
Just Enough to be Dangerous: Cataloging for Non-Catalogers (MCLS)
Have you thought that those catalogers have been talking a new language lately? Does it sound like Alphabet Soup is being served in Tech Services? You’ve figured out that RDA is Resources, Description and Access (the new cataloging standard, implemented in 2013 to replace AACR2.) But what about FRBR, FRAD, LCSH, SHM, FAST, and LRM?? And what in the world is Bibframe?
This overview course will help non-catalogers communicate with catalogers (or, at least help you know what facial expression to use during conversations about bibliographic records, authority work, workflows, and data entry). If you are a school media specialist, this course will give you the background to be able to get started with cataloging. You will learn how to read a MARC record and discover how a cataloger comes up with what is in a bibliographic record.
November 7, 2-4p EST
$120 (Non-member) / $60 (MCLS member)
Jumpstart Inclusive Cataloging (LJ & SLJ Professional Development)
While the current, standard classification systems have their benefits, they also often create unnecessary confusion and barriers to equitable access to resources. During this course, you’ll learn how to conduct an equity audit of your cataloging system and learn practical strategies for how to ensure your collections are organized with all people in mind.
This process can be daunting, but you’re not alone! This course will provide guidance no matter the type of library you work in or the current cataloging system you use. You’ll learn tangible takeaways such as how to make the case for inclusive cataloging to your leadership and how to involve your community. You will leave this half-day intensive with new ideas and strategies for making sustainable change at your library.
November 15, 12-4p EST
$239.29
Basics of RDA Conceptual Models (MCLS)
Learn the basics of conceptual models used in RDA: Resources Description and Access and understand how they are used in cataloging to support discovery. This workshop will review two concepts which we currently use in cataloging: Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) and Functional Requirements for Authority Data (FRAD). It will also introduce the new IFLA Library Reference Model (LRM) which is incorporated into the new RDA Toolkit. The workshop emphasizes understanding the practical application of these models in RDA cataloging. It provides cataloging examples in MARC 21 for various formats, with an emphasis on books. Exercises and a resource list for further learning are also included. A basic understanding of the MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data is needed for the course.
December 5, 10a-12p EST
$120 (Non-member) / $60 (MCLS member)
BIBFRAME: An Overview (MCLS)
This course will provide an overview of the BIBFRAME ontology, which the Library of Congress has developed to succeed MARC21 as the format for expressing/encoding descriptions of library resources.
Topics include:
- An introduction to linked data concepts and the RDF data model
- An introduction to ontologies -- their purpose and their structure
- An overview of the BIBFRAME ontology and its key features
- Ongoing BIBFRAME projects
- Tools for BIBFRAME exploration and experimentation
December 5, 2-4p EST
$120 (Non-member) / $60 (MCLS member)
Electronic Serials Cataloging (MCLS)
The Electronic Serials Cataloging Workshop will introduce attendees to current standards and practices, elements and terminology used in the cataloging of electronic serials. This course is based on Resource Description and Access (RDA) as interpreted by current CONSER policy and practice with special attention paid to the differences in the cataloging of print and electronic serials. Attendees will work through examples which will include the use of current tools and documentation.
December 19-20, 2-4p EST
$160 (Non-member) / $80 (MCLS member)
Using and Understanding Library of Congress Classification (ALA eLearning)
Bobby Bothmann’s expert cataloging instructions offer you a comprehensive grounding in Library of Congress Classification (LCC) principles and practice. Starting with the basics, this eCourse will teach you how to assign LCC numbers with correct meaning in hierarchy, build numbers using tables, and apply numbers that help patrons browse your library.
January 8 - February 4, 2024
$209 (Non-member) / $188.10 (ALA member)
Electronic Resource Management
Introduction to Electronic Resource Management in Academic Libraries (Library Juice Academy)
This course is designed to serve as an introductory class to electronic resource management in an academic library setting. It is geared towards those are just starting out in electronic resource management roles and are new and active practitioners. Electronic resource management is a critical function of the academic library, especially given the predominance of electronic resources in contemporary collections as well as the growth in online courses offered by colleges and universities. In this six week course, students will learn the basic principles of electronic resource management, centered on the primary tasks of activation/deactivation of resources in discovery, their ongoing maintenance and management, and troubleshooting and resolving access issues with them. By the end of this course, students should be able to: Identify the basic components of electronic resource management; Use best principles to activate/deactivate and make discoverable/suppress electronic resources using an electronic resources management system; Use best principles to manage existing electronic resources using an electronic resource management system; Troubleshoot and resolve access issues with electronic resources.
January 1 – February 11
$300
Leadership/Management
Equity-Centered Library Leadership (LJ & SLJ Professional Development)
The last few years have proven that leadership in the workplace must adapt and create work cultures with shared values in order to attract and retain top talent. In this course, you will learn to develop whole-person, healing-centered leadership skills to help you assess your current leadership style and organization, plan and prepare for organizational change, and foster and maintain an inclusive work environment through well-being, evaluation, and accountability practices. All of these topics will be taught with an equity lens that prioritizes radical empathy, vulnerability, and justice in your leadership practices.
November 2, 9, 16, 2-4:30p EST
$307.59
Know & Go: Creating a Mentorship Program at Your Library (Amigos)
A successful mentorship program can foster meaningful connections across the staff. Discover best practices, effective strategies, and practical tips to empower individuals on their personal and professional growth journeys through the power of mentorship. Set staff up for success, whether you have an established program, are exploring an initiative, or just looking for ways to improve staff connections across the organization, the models and insights shared will set you in the right direction.
November 6, 1:30-2:30p
$35 (Non-member) / Free (Amigos member)
Recruiting and Retaining Librarians from Underrepresented Minoritized Groups (Library Juice Academy)
This course will address recruitment strategies that will improve your chance of attracting a diverse pool of applicants and minimize the influence of unintended biases in the selection process. Of course, hiring is just the first step to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We will also address factors that influence the long term retention of librarians from underrepresented minority groups.
November 6 – December 3
$200
Supervisor Series: Effective Communication Strategies for Managers (MCLS)
Being a supervisor is a complex job with a lot of responsibilities. A lack of clear, effective communication can hinder the relationship between a library leader and their employees, and can be costly in terms of productivity, team morale, and service to patrons.
It is critical for supervisors to be able to communicate effectively with all team members. This workshop will teach you how to be relatable, respectable, dependable, and communicative. As a result, you will be able to have a clear direction, meet your employees’ needs, handle difficult conversations with ease, and boost your assertiveness as a boss.
November 9, 10a-3p EST
$160 (Non-member) / $80 (MCLS member)
Technology/Coding
Python for Librarians (Library Juice Academy)
We often are told ‘learn to code’ but not given a clear purpose or direction to realize this goal. This is especially true for workers in the Library field. This course will attempt to address this challenge by providing a great introduction to data science aimed at all learners. Participants will be introduced to the Python programming language and how it can be used to analyize data. This includes organizing and writing code in Jupyter Notebooks, manipulating data with the Pandas, visualizing data with the Matplotlib, and making predictions with data using the scikit-learn library. No previous programming experience is required or expected. Exercises will be drawn from topics that resonate with the daily work of Librarians and those in related fields. For example, participants will learn how to analyze a quantity of Sci Hub usage data, and will examine DOI data harvested from the Crossref API. No software installation will be required to participate in this class; all programming work will be done using the online Google Colab environment.
November 6 – December 3
$200
Exploring ChatGPT: Unveiling the Power, Ethical Issues, and Educational Potential of AI Language Models (ASIS&T)
Join us for an insightful webinar where we delve into the rapidly evolving technology of ChatGPT and explore its inner workings, ethical implications, and implications for teaching and learning. In this webinar, we will provide a comprehensive overview of how ChatGPT functions as a language model, enabling it to generate human-like responses. We will further delve into the ethical considerations surrounding ChatGPT, such as bias, privacy, and the responsible use of AI in communication. Finally, we will discuss the implications of ChatGPT for teaching and learning, exploring its potential as a tool for educational purposes and the importance of critical thinking in interacting with AI-generated content. Whether you are an information science educator, student, or simply curious about the intersection of AI and education, this webinar will provide valuable insights and discussions to help navigate the evolving landscape of generative AI within higher education. Learning objectives: Gain a comprehensive understanding of ChatGPT’s inner workings, including its architecture and techniques for generating human-like responses. Examine the ethical considerations of ChatGPT, addressing bias, privacy concerns, and responsible AI use, while learning to identify and mitigate biases and adhere to ethical guidelines. Explore ChatGPT’s implications for education, including its potential as an educational tool, strategies for integrating AI-generated content, and fostering critical thinking skills when interacting with AI models.
November 16, 11a-12p EST
$25
Reimagining Libraries: Exploring the AI & VR Revolution in Library Services (Amigos)
Artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) have emerged as powerful tools that enhance and expand the role of libraries, empowering them to provide innovative services and experiences to their patrons. Delve into the myriad ways AI, VR, and other emerging realities intersect with library services and learn how libraries leverage these developments to redefine their work.
November 30, 10a-4p CST
$249 (Non-member) / Free (Amigos member or LIS student)
Meet the Authors: Text Mining for Information Professionals: An Uncharted Territory (ASIS&T)
As technology continues to advance, the importance of machine learning and artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly apparent across all disciplines. In the realm of data analytics, mining, and science, there is a strong market for research and jobs. With the shift from paper to digitization, libraries and librarians face a growing burden of managing, organizing, and generating knowledge from vast amounts of data stored in their repositories, databases, and websites. Text mining is an efficient, fast, and effective way of managing and extracting knowledge from existing data stored in library archives. The techniques used in text mining can be applied to any type of library by librarians. Further, this webinar will be useful to archivists, digital curators, or any other humanities and social science professionals who are new to text mining and would like to use it in their work/research. This webinar, based on the book, Text Mining for Information Professionals - An Uncharted Territory, will demonstrate how attendees can become competent in using text mining in their daily work to provide new services to their patrons.
December 7, 11a-12p EST
$25
Know & Go: Storytelling and Data Visualization with Qualitative Data (Amigos)
Libraries succeed by communicating successes and challenges through data. Explore how to maximize storytelling and data visualization techniques for qualitative data. Utilize communication narratives to create visualizations of complex information.
December 11, 1:30-2:30p CST
$35 (Non-member) / Free (Amigos member)
Wikipedia Editing for Librarians (Library Juice Academy)
In this course, you will learn how Wikipedia actually functions philosophically, structurally, and technically. You will create an account and work collaboratively with fellow participants to learn how to create and edit Wikipedia content while critically reflecting on adjacent topics like ethics, credibility, access, equity, and social justice. This course will give you the tools, skills, community, and confidence to incorporate Wikipedia into your work. No previous knowledge of editing Wikipedia required, and librarians and information workers at any and all types of institutions are welcome.
January 1 – January 28
$200
Miscellaneous
Introduction to Copyright and Open Licensing for Libraries and Archives (Library Juice Academy)
Have you ever wondered if you’ve violated copyright law in helping a library patron meet their information needs? Does a knowledge gap concerning copyright law impact your ability to serve patrons? This class will help answer some of your questions about U.S. Copyright Law and how it applies to your professional practice. American Library Association’s (ALA) Core Competencies for Librarians state that librarians should be able to “understand and apply copyright law in their work.” This course will give you foundational knowledge of copyright, including limitations and exceptions. We’ll apply copyright law to specific situations to help you make more informed decisions in your librarianship practice. We’ll examine and critique the stated purposes of U.S. Copyright Law. Finally, we’ll explore how open licenses, in particular Creative Commons licenses, enable sharing, reuse, and collaboration while respecting copyright holders’ rights. Our goal is to help you grow more confident about risk management inherent in a librarian’s copyright-related duties.
November 6 – December 3
$200
How to Build LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Libraries (LJ & SLJ Professional Development)
Now more than ever, LGBTQIA+ people are being targeted by bigoted laws and policies, which is requiring libraries to strengthen their advocacy practices. Research shows that programs, partnerships, practices, and curricula that center queer and trans people benefit heterosexual and cisgender people, too. This course will teach you how to navigate difficult conversations and advocate for LGBTQIA+ people, books, and programs, even and especially in the face of censorship challenges. You will also learn how to develop robust LGBTQIA-centered programs and instruction alongside strategies for building connections with your local queer community. You will leave with tangible practices to add to your advocacy toolkit and have the opportunity to find solidarity and build meaningful relationships with other librarians.
November 30, December 7, 14, 2-4:30p EST
$307.59
Introduction to Open Educational Resources (OER) (Library Juice Academy)
This interactive four-week course supports librarians in facilitating OER adoptions, even if your institution has yet to invest resources in OER initiatives. Through applied learning, peer interaction, and instructor feedback, you’ll practice the skills librarians need to be catalysts for OER at our institutions.
January 1 – January 28
$200